The Alternate Stitch

So, if you’re in the market for a new pair of men’s running socks, this guide is designed to help narrow your search. Selfishly, creating a guide showcasing our “best” running socks for men  was tough because we think they’re all worthy. But to make your life easier, we figured, why not give you a running start?

New to running? Looking for a gift for the runner in your life? Whether you run for fitness, are training for a race, or use running as an opportunity to meet new people, you will need the best women's running socks to make every mile feel like a victory. But you don't have to just take it from us; read on to hear from the running community.

Merino Wool, Nylon, and Spandex are the only yarns we knit into our socks. A pure Merino sock would not have the elasticity to hold its fit, and Nylon strengthens wear zones. The list is simple, but it’s how we do it 
that knits a longer lasting sock.

As you can imagine, cotton’s reputation is a regular conversation around here. We wanted to know more about why people love cotton, so we sent out a survey to about 6,000 people. We asked cotton sock fans what they love about this fabric, then we asked Merino sock lovers what they’d say to a cotton sock wearer.

We have nine heights here at Darn Tough. Six main ones, with a few in-betweeners. Before you say Nine? Nine! That’s too many! We’ve broken down each height so you understand the benefit of each and how and when you should wear it.

If you’re standing by the laundry wondering how to wash Merino Wool socks, you’ve come to the right place. Here's detailed washing instructions for at home and in the backcountry.

Cushioned socks have Terry loops underfoot (and often other areas too) to add comfort, durability, and padding. Whether it's for comfort or protection, we have a variety of cushion levels to choose from based on your preferences and footwear. Not sure if you want cushion or what kind of cushioned sock to get? 

The allure of going sock-less in dress shoes has become a men’s fashion statement. There may be plenty of hot-takes on the trend itself, but answering the question of “Can I wear dress shoes without socks?” is simple. Technically, yes… but, we wouldn’t recommend it. 

Over the years, dress socks have transformed from functional basics in a narrow color range barely worth considering to powerful fashion statements. If you’re asking yourself what color men's dress socks should be to match the rest of your outfit, this is for you.

From dress shoes to sneakers and loafers to boots, there's a lot to consider when deciding what kind of dress socks to wear with different types of dress shoes. And no matter what shoes you’re wearing, you’ll thrive in socks that are comfortable, breathable, and moisture wicking.

Though we can’t help you answer questions like, “Do I need to wear a tie?” we can address an equally important question, namely, “What color should dress socks be?” In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to match dress socks to your outfit, covering everything from classic rules to modern twists.

Dress socks are an essential yet overlooked component of formal attire. They might not be the centerpiece of your outfit, but then again, your fit wouldn’t be complete without them. Every man dressing for a formal occasion needs a comfortable and durable pair of men's dress socks, but with so many options out there, how is one to choose?

At Darn Tough, we knit our socks in 4 different weights: Ultra-lightweight, Lightweight, Midweight, and Heavyweight. When it comes to picking a sock weight, consider your planned activity, local weather, and personal preferences. We put together a guide of our different sock weight options for all of your favorite activities.

Not sure if your socks fit? We've put together some tips and tricks to help you check. At Darn Tough, we knit all our socks with a performance fit so they act like a second skin, preventing slippage and blisters. If your socks aren't the most comfortable, durable, best fitting socks, you can return them for another pair. 

We’ve brought Space Dye to the finest-micron Merino Wool. The result? Totally unique socks that have moisture management, durability, and temperature regulation on lock.

Generally, ski and snowboard socks are the same. If you’ve ever questioned whether skiing socks and snowboard socks are the same…the simple answer is yes (and also no). Here’s the deal: Darn Tough has a single Ski & Snowboard category...

While there are minimal differences between ski socks and snowboard socks, there are drastic differences between ‘normal socks’ and Merino Wool socks designed for skiing and snowboarding, and those differences keep you warm, comfortable, and dry on the mountain.

How long do socks last? That depends on the sock, the wearer, and few other key factors.  We asked Emily from our Warranty department to share what she's learned about the Darn Tough sock lifespan from the socks you all send back to us under our guarantee. 

It’s no secret that Merino Wool socks are preferred by skiers… not to mention literally anyone else doing anything that involves comfy feet. And when it comes to choosing the right ski sock, we hear questions like: Should ski socks be thin or thick? Are thin or thick socks warmer?

If your socks make an impression (beyond just what people think of them) then you’re going to want to read this article. We’re covering performance socks: what they are, how to ensure they fit, the benefits they offer, and the marks they (might) leave behind.

In this post I’m going to get into the pros and cons of liner socks to help you determine your best footwear system. Spoiler: I truly don’t think you need liners if you have the right sock and shoe combo. So let’s get into it…